Padres Prospect Update: Kruz Schoolcraft debuts, young catcher not named Ethan Salas figures it out

It's a breath of fresh air when organizations allow their top-end pitching prospects to actually throw in the same year they are drafted. Kruz Schoolcraft, the towering 6-foot-8 left-handed pitcher, was taken in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft by the Friars - and we are lucky enough to see him take the mound this season.

After throwing in the bridge league last week, the Padres decided to send Schoolcraft to Single-A Lake Elsinore to make his pro debut. Padres fans got a little bit of everything from Schoolcraft, who recorded five outs.

Looking Randy Johnson-like with his slingshot release and imposing frame, Schoolcraft recorded four strikeouts, but also walked three batters. He allowed two runs on one hit while dialing up his signature fastball that can reach 100 MPH.

Staying with Lake Elsinore, the Storm rosters a teenage catcher (who isn't named Ethan Salas). 18-year-old Truitt Madonna, ranked No. 25 in San Diego's farm, had a slow start on the offensive end, but he is starting to get acclimated to professional baseball.

Taken in the 11th round of this season's draft out of Ballard HS (WA), Madonna entered August 31 riding an 0-for-22 skid. Then on August 31, he went 2-for-4 with a double and a run to dig out of his slump.

He carried that solid game into last week, when he recorded a hit in four if his games, combining for three RBIs, two extra-base hits and two walks. He's brought his batting average up from .133 to .185 over this span, indicating that he's making the proper adjustments to Minor League Baseball. Madonna will be a name to watch, as four young catchers occupy spots in the Padres' Top 30. Madonna is ranked fourth among these catchers, but his sudden improvements suggest that he will be ready for a strong 2026 campaign.

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